Rigid lattice NMR spectra of fast proton conductors H2Sb4O11-nH2O

Hydrated antimonic acids H₂Sb₄O₁₁ · 2H₂O and H₂Sb₄O₁₁ · 3H₂O are fast proton conductors with the same (Sb₄O₁₁)^2-covalent framework delimiting intercrossing channels. Using proton magnetic resonance in the very low temperature rigid-lattice regime we show that the channels of the structure are occupied by three species: oxonium ions (H₃O⁺), water molecules (H₂O) and hydroxylic protons (OH) attached to the framework. Quantitative analysis of the experimental spectra lead to a rewriting of the chemical formula, as (H₃O)_xSb₄O_11-y(OH)_y · zH₂O with x,y and z depending on the hydration state. Coexistence of oxonium ions and water molecules is compatible with the assumption of a Grotthuss-type mechanism for proton diffusion. Nuclear magnetic resonance of the completely dehydrated compound H₂Sb₄O₁₁ is also reported. The value of the second moment of the proton resonance line indicates that in this compound all the protons are attached to the (Sb₄O₁₁)^2- framework.